Unification of Norway
The Unification of Norway (c. 872) was the process by which the several petty kingdoms in Norway merged under the rule of King Harald Fairhair.
History[edit | edit source]
In late 872, following the assault on Kjotve the Cruel's fortress that resulted in the jarl's death and the scattering of his Wolf Clan,[1] Harald invited the various Viking clans of Norway to Alrekstad to attend an althing organized by himself. There, he proposed that the clans unite under his banner, reasoning that a unified Norway would mean the end of needless bloodshed and would stand a better chance at conquering new lands.[2]
Hjorr Halfsson and Ljufvina Bjarmarsdottir declined to pledge fealty to Harald, but surrendered their territory as they took their people overseas. The althing was then interrupted by Gorm Kjotvesson, son of the recently deceased Kjotve, who tried to swear loyalty to Harald despite his unwanted presence. Harald refused the offer, and Gorm attempted to smear the name of the Raven Clan shieldmaiden Eivor Varinsdottir by accusing her of poisoning Kjotve and denying him an honorable death. The claim was disproven by Harald himself, and Gorm was ultimately exiled on pain of death.[2]
Eivor's adoptive father, jarl Styrbjorn Sigvaldisson, bent the knee to Harald, much to the outrage of his son Sigurd, who stormed out in protest. Eivor followed him, but not before Harald cautioned her that she and Sigurd would have to serve under him if they chose to stay in Norway.[2] In response, Eivor, Sigurd, and other Raven Clan members who opposed Harald's rule departed Norway and went on to establish their own settlement in England.[3]
Appearances[edit | edit source]
- Assassin's Creed: Valhalla (first appearance)
- Assassin's Creed Valhalla: Geirmund's Saga
- Assassin's Creed Valhalla: Song of Glory
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – A Cruel Destiny
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – Birthrights
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Valhalla – The Seas of Fate
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